Tips to avoiding mould in student accommodation

Mould isn't anyone's idea of a great flatmate. The good news is that a few simple habits can make a big difference in keeping your room fresh, dry, and comfortable. Here are some easy, student-friendly tips and tricks to help limit the growth and spread of mould while living in halls at UoS.

Why mould happens

Mould grows in damp, warm, poorly ventilated areas. Everyday activities like showering, drying clothes, or even breathing add moisture to the air. If that moisture has nowhere to escape, it can settle on cold surfaces and create the perfect environment for mould to develop.

The aim isn't to eliminate moisture completely (which would be impossible), but to keep the environment balanced.

Top tips to keep mould at bay

Let fresh air in

• Open your window for short periods to let moisture escape.
• If your room has trickle vents, keep them open.
• After cooking or showering, give the space a few minutes of ventilation before closing everything up again.

Why it helps: Good airflow stops moisture from settling on walls and windows.

Make the most of your heating in colder months

• Keep your room at a steady, comfortable temperature rather than heating it in short bursts.
• Avoid placing your belongings directly against cold external walls; a small gap helps air move around.

Why it helps: Warm air holds moisture better than cold air, reducing condensation.

Dry clothes smartly

• You have free use of the dryers in the laundry room as part of your contract, so make the most of them!
• Avoid drying clothes on radiators.
• If you need to dry individuals items that you have handwashed to freshen them up — like a gym top or a work shirt — place them on a coat hanger near an open window with the door closed to contain moisture.

Why it helps: Laundry is one of the biggest sources of indoor moisture.

Use extractor fans properly

• If your bathroom or kitchen has extractor fans, make sure they're on while you're cooking or showering.
• Leave extractor fans running for a few minutes after you have finished.

Why it helps: Extractor fans are designed to pull humid air out before it can cause problems.

Wipe away condensation

• In the mornings, check your windows for any water droplets.
• Use a cloth or towel to wipe them down if needed.

Why it helps: Removing condensation breaks the cycle before mould has a chance to grow.

Keep your space clutter free

• Avoid pushing bulky items (like suitcases, boxes, or laundry bags) against walls.
• Try not to block air vents or radiators.

Why it helps: Airflow keeps surfaces dry: blocked ventilation doesn't.

Report issues early

If you notice:

• Persistent damp patches
• Peeling paint
• A musty smell
• Visible mould

...let your halls team know as soon as possible. Small issues are much easier to fix early on, and our maintenance team is always happy to help.

Why it helps: Some causes of mould (like leaks) can only be sorted by staff, not ventilation alone. But don't worry, as our team will get to work on resolving the issue as soon as possible, once you've reported it on Planon.

What to avoid

Don't ignore persistent condensation

A quick wipe can save a lot of hassle later.

Don't block radiators with clothes or furniture

They work far better when air can circulate.

Don't try to clean large areas of mould yourself

Small patches can be wiped with mild detergent, but anything more should be reported.

Don't be afraid to ask for help

Maintenance requests aren't an inconvenience, they are a vital part of keeping halls safe and comfortable.

A fresher, healthier living space

Keeping mould at bay doesn't have to be a chore. Small changes like opening windows, drying clothes sensibly in dedicated laundry rooms, and noticing early signs can make your room feel fresher and more comfortable. And remember, if anything doesn't look quite right, your residences team is here to help.